1985 Sabre 38 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison
2004 Oyster 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Sabre 38 | 2004 Oyster 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Oyster |
| Year | 1985–1992 | 2004–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | United Kingdom |
| Designer | Roger Hewson | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 14.02 m (46.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.2 m² (659 ft²) | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 75 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 450 L (118.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Sabre 38 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Sabre 38 is a 1980s design by Sabre from USA, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 1985 Sabre 38 was penned by Roger Hewson. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 1985 Sabre 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.44m longer than the 1985 Sabre 38. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 72% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Sabre 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.59 and 61.2 m² of sail area. The 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Oyster 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Sabre 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 43.8% for the 1985 Sabre 38 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Sabre 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Sabre 38 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 2004 Oyster 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1985 Sabre 38 · 2004 Oyster 46